. >> reporter: karen and travis jackson have a teddy bear and rose waiting for their daughter. >> we boughter who a valentine. today's her birthday. >> reporter: john has a wife, daughter, sister and two nieces on board. he made them a sign that reads, thank god it's over. >> it's not the way i plan to spend valentine's but here we are. >> reporter: news crews surrounded him as he spoke to his wife over the phone. >> they want to know how the smell is on the ship. >> horrendous. >> reporter: customs and border patrol agents boarded the triumph earlier today. they are trying to speed up the customs process when the ship docks at the terminal. carnival is providing transportation and hotel rooms for the passengers. they are also giving out full refunds for the cruise, a credit towards future cruises and $500 cash. in mobile, alabama, randall pinkston, kpix 5. >> reporter: carnival is making buses available. we have seen some signs that say, free shuttle to new orleans. there are also buses to texas. but relatives say when their loved ones step off that gangplank, they are going to take